Article

Sight to See: Increasing Visibility on the Road

Avoid mishaps with these simple tips to boost your visual awareness on the road. Read more...▼

Visibility is key to staying safe—here’s how to make sure you have the right line of sight, day and night.

Rain or Shine
Rain can drastically reduce your visibility, so make sure windshield wipers (front and back) are properly maintained. Replace them every six months at least, and be on the lookout for rust on the arm and cracks in the rubber blade. Consider treating your front and back windshields with a rain repelling conditioner, and keep washer fluid filled.

Go Dark
Blinding sun can seriously disrupt your vision and that of the drivers around you. Keep a pair of dark sunglasses ready for easy use, and remove any papers or debris you may be storing in your overhead visor so that you can position it at a moment’s notice without a distracting avalanche.Read more...▼

Clean Your Headlights
Over time, headlight casings can start to appear cloudy, dulling the light that they emit as you drive. Check your vehicle’s handbook, and follow directions for removing and cleaning the plastic lamp housing. Be mindful about bulbs—the oil from your hands can reduce the effectiveness of halogens, so use gloves if you need to touch them. Finally, check the angle of the headlights to make sure they’re illuminating the proper area. To do this, reference your vehicle’s manual to locate adjustment screws. Turning the screws clockwise will raise the light and counterclockwise will lower the light. Try putting a piece of tape on a wall about three and a half feet from the ground and parking about 25 feet away to see if your lights are accurately hitting the marker. Of course, if you aren’t comfortable doing this yourself, a mechanic would be more than happy to help.

Tip

Driving with your headlights on during sunny conditions can increase your visibility to other motorists who may also be struggling to see.

On a Motorcycle?
Motorcycle riders face an increased challenge of visibility on the road. Here are some fast tips to stay safe.

Increase Your Visibility:

Use a clear windscreen and avoid tints, which can distort your vision

Use your high beams when necessary

When in traffic, have a plan or strategy and concentrate on how the traffic is flowing

Develop comfort using your peripheral vision to scan for danger

Increase Your Visibility to Others:

Consider adding auxiliary lights to your bike

Wear brightly colored protective gear, like bright helmets

Use reflective tape for night rides

Stay out of the shoulder and don’t weave between traffic—you’ll reduce the amount of time that you ride in drivers’ “blind spots”